I miss my dog…

This past Saturday we had to have our dog put to sleep.  It was the first time I ever had to go through that experience and it was very painful.  I am very proud of my sweet Ally, though.  She wanted to be with us in the room when it was time to put her to sleep.  We really thought she would lose it and need to leave the room (the grandparents met us at the vet just in case this happened).  She was a trooper though – and in the end, I think being there with Shellie and the end helped Ally with closure.  Joey — our 4 year old — still seems to be in denial.  He stayed at the house with Grandpa.

We first got Shellie (a Shetland Sheepdog) as a tiny pup back in 1999, when Karen and I were just dating.  Since the first day she was always a little neurotic but a lot adorable.  She was with us through thick and thin.  She welcomed with open paws both of our children (and she was protective of them too, which just showed how much she loved them).

I work at home and Shellie was always here for me.  She would usually be in my way wherever I needed to walk.  I often referred to having to step over her as a ‘traffic jam’ for my commute.  Now there is no more speed bump to step over and it breaks my heart.

Not sure what the future holds for us in regards to getting another dog.  I think it may be beneficial for us to hold off for a while.  The kids will probably start the begging before too much longer, though.